Friday, February 26, 2010

CBC News - Calgary - Province proposes changes to election rules

Alberta's Progressive Conservative government is proposing changes to the way elections are run — including turning over the appointment of returning officers to the province's chief electoral officer.

"It is important to balance updated and streamlined processes with maintaining the integrity of the system."

The legislation, known as Bill 7 - The Election Statutes Amendment Act, proposes other changes including:

Changing the way enumerators are appointed so that constituency associations and political parties are no longer involved.

Broadening the investigative powers of the chief electoral officer.

Opening advance polls to anyone who wishes to vote early.

Giving Albertans who are prisoners the right to vote.

Improving third-party advertising legislation.

Requiring campaign deficits to be paid off, with reports sent to the chief electoral officer.

Increasing safeguards for the list of electors.

Updating the types of information voters present at polling stations.

The legislation would also open the doors to new voting technologies and allow a pilot project to open by-election polls at 7 a.m., rather than the current 9 a.m.